News

Licensed cannabis businesses in Minnesota are encountering a complex web of real estate challenges that are significantly impeding their launch and operational growth. From restrictive zoning laws enacted by local governments to cautious landlords and persistent federal banking regulations, entrepreneurs are facing a steep climb to secure suitable and affordable commercial spaces. This challenging landscape…

A multi-state cannabis operator, Ayr Wellness, is undergoing a profound financial transformation, initiating a comprehensive debt restructuring that aims to cut its outstanding debt by approximately 50% and reposition the company for future growth. This strategic overhaul involves a foreclosure sale of key assets through Article 9 proceedings, marking a pivotal moment for the U.S….

Auckland police have seized over half a tonne of cannabis, along with significant amounts of cash, MDMA, and ketamine, following a series of raids across the city’s western suburbs. The operation, targeting what police described as sophisticated commercial drug operations, has led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man. Major Drug Bust in West Auckland…

Las Vegas, NV – The annual MJBizCon, a premier event for the global cannabis industry, is increasingly becoming a vital platform for recognizing and amplifying the contributions of women who are driving diversity, innovation, and equity across the sector. This year’s event continues to highlight the significant strides women are making, from pioneering brands and…

WASHINGTON D.C. – The highly anticipated process to potentially reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III controlled substance remains in a state of flux, with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) confirming that key appeal processes are still pending. This development comes as a flurry of commentary and action from political figures, industry…

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – A growing public health concern is emerging among South Africa’s youth, characterized by the escalating co-use of vaping products and cannabis. The University of Pretoria (UP) is sounding an urgent alarm, calling for coordinated action across various sectors to address what is being described as a “silent storm” brewing among young…

In a significant policy shift aimed at bolstering its struggling legal cannabis industry, California has reversed a recent state tax increase. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 564 (AB 564), which freezes the state’s cannabis excise tax at 15% until 2028, effectively rolling back an increase to 19% that took effect in July 2025. This…

In a significant legal victory for New York’s burgeoning cannabis industry, the Supreme Court of New York has granted a preliminary injunction, temporarily shielding more than 150 licensed dispensaries from potentially ruinous relocation or closure mandates. The court’s order effectively halts the enforcement of new directives issued by the state’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)…

TRENDS Dispensary Pioneers AI-Powered Product Guidance with “Relief IQ” Launch TRENDS, a prominent cannabis dispensary located in Queens, New York, has made history by becoming the first U.S. dispensary to introduce “Relief IQ,” an innovative AI-powered wellness technology. This cutting-edge platform is designed to demystify the cannabis shopping experience, offering customers personalized, research-informed guidance to…

A pivotal congressional hearing on September 19, 2025, ignited a fierce debate among lawmakers regarding the complex intersection of cannabis legalization and organized crime, particularly concerning illicit operations linked to Chinese transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability convened to address what witnesses described as a burgeoning black…